Meet Lethe

“Now did Aeneas descry deep in a valley retiring, a wood, a secluded copse whose branches soughed in the wind, and the Lethe River drifting past the tranquil places. Hereabouts were flitting a multitude [of phantoms] without number … Aeneas moved by the sudden sight, asked in his ignorance what it might mean, what was that river over there and all that crowd of people swarming along its banks. The his father, Ankhises said: – They are the souls who are destined for Reincarnation; and now at Lethe’s stream they are drinking the waters that quench man’s troubles, the deep draught of oblivion … They come in crowds to the river Lethe, so that you see, with memory washed out they may revisit the earth above.” – Virgil, Aeneid 6.705

Watching her sleep, a sense of awe transpired and I became aware of the trust that this creature puts in me. I am still getting over the fact that Lethe has survived my 1 month care. That she hasn’t: run off, kill herself from jumping into the oven, die from my carelessness, and die from unknown disease, which befell many of my previous undertakings. Not bad from a man who’s victim includes a cactus plant that died from his care.

Despite some hard times between us, she turned out to be a curious adventurer. The first day she arrived at the new environment, instead of hiding and pawing around slowly to get used to the environment, she stalked about in an ever-increasing concentric circle to explore the environment.

On days when I take her out for a ride in my car, she’d perch on my shoulder like a parrot to keep me company. A curious cat by nature I have no intention of hindering her learning process by punishing her for something wrong or rewarding her for something bad. Instead, whenever she learns to do something potentially disastrous, I’d make sure to show her the danger under supervised condition. Letting her fall, or burning her if necessary.

The polydactyl brat is born with 6 toes. Adding a coat of black fur, Lethe successfully secured herself as the controversial symbol for luck and misfortune. In the medieval time, this combination is supposed to be the most sought after type of familiar for witches.

People say that pet’s personality takes after its owner. I am very curious at what Lethe will become. By observing her, I hope to gain an insight of my soul, or even better, a glimpse into my own shadow.